Optical nanofibers confine light to subwavelength scales, and are of interest for the design, integration, and interconnection of nanophotonic devices. Here we demonstrate high transmission (> 97%)… (More)

A new type of solid-state variable focal length lens is described. It is based on shape changes in an elastomeric membrane driven by compression of a reservoir of a polymer gel. A novel fabrication… (More)

Optical nanofibers (ONFs) provide a rich platform for exploring atomic and optical phenomena even when they support only a single spatial mode. Nanofibers supporting higher-order modes (HOMs) provide… (More)

Using a transmission-spectrum-based method, the refractive index of a 50 μm thick sample of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was measured as a function of wavelength. To mitigate the effects of… (More)

A synthetic polymeric lens was designed and fabricated based on a bio-inspired, "Age=5" human eye lens design by utilizing a nanolayered polymer film-based technique. The internal refractive index… (More)

We study slow light dynamics in Rb vapor cell. We present data showing significant pulse reshaping when the bandwidth of the pulses is increased. We present a model that qualitatively explains the… (More)

The design, fabrication, and properties of one of a new class of gradient-index lenses are reported. The lens is an f/2.25 GRIN singlet based on a nanolayered polymer composite material, designed to… (More)